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The 36 year-old said: "I've had clubs come in for me down the years but always turned them away because I've been so happy here. I always wanted to stay here and finish my career here, and hoped to go into a coaching role. That's maybe why it's shocked me so much."

The former Blackburn and Southampton striker, had also been under the impression he would not be granted a testimonial.

He said: "It would have been nice to have one as a thank you for what I've done.

"I was aware when I signed [a new deal] last year it was running short, and the club said they might extend it for a week or two [to get to the testimonial] but I don't think that will happen.

"Right now it's difficult for me to take but I need to keep my head up. It's going to be hard to try to keep involved, but I just have to try my best."